The anticipation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup is building as we head towards the Winter months, but European fans are wondering whether they will be allowed to drink alcohol whilst at the tournament.
Consuming alcohol in Qatar is largely limited to luxury hotels and private clubs, with being drunk in public an offence.
It is not part of Qatari tradition or culture, and its availability for international visitors during the World Cup has been a point of contention.
Can you drink at the Qatar World Cup?
A wet fan zone was trialled when the Gulf state held the FIFA Club World Cup in 2019, and a similar plan is expected for the 2022 World Cup tournament later this year.
However, there is uncertainty over the sale of alcohol at the eight stadiums being used for the World Cup.
According to Bloomberg, officials in Qatar are facing pressure from FIFA and the brewing company AB InBev, whose drinks include Budweiser, the official beer sponsor of the World Cup for more than three decades.
One option under consideration is making a product with a lower alcohol content, possibly Bud Light, available at the venues.
In November 2016, Qatar 2022 claimed that fans would not be able to buy or drink alcohol in public places, although since then organisers appear to have shifted from this hardline approach.
A spokesperson for the Supreme Committee on Delivery and Legacy told Bloomberg that it was working with FIFA and relevant parties in Qatar to "cater to all local and visiting fans".
The publication reported that FIFA and AB InBev said they were seeking an atmosphere "respectful" towards the host nation's customs and traditions while making alcohol available where desired by fans.
Qatar 2022 World Cup start date
The tournament kicks off on Monday, 21 November at the Al Bayt stadium in Al Khor with a match that will feature the host country, Qatar.
The final will be played at the Lusail Stadium in Doha a week before Christmas on Sunday, 18 December.
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